Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Memphis to Receive Support for Fighting Violent Crime

Memphis is one of 12 cities in the country that will receive federal help with fighting violent crime.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced today that Memphis, along with 11 other cities will join the newly-formed National Public Safety Partnership (PSP).

Formed by the Department of Justice in response to President Donald Trump's Executive Order challenging the agency to reduce violent crimes nationwide, the PSP will provide the means for increasing federal support for state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials and prosecutors.

The partnership, which will specifically focus on reducing gun crime, drug trafficking, and gang violence was announced today at a national summit organized by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions' Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety.

The summit brought together local, state, and federal law enforcement for discussion on how to support and replicate previous successful efforts of reducing violent crimes.

"The Department of Justice will work with American cities suffering from serious violent crime problems," Sessions said. "There is no doubt that there are many strategies that are proven to reduce crime."

Sessions says the Justice Department will use data-driven strategies that will be "tailored to specific local concerns."

The partnership is also intended to help each of the selected communities increase their own ability to fight crimes.

Director of the Memphis Police Department Michael Rallings says he is pleased that Memphis was chosen to be one of the 12 cities in the partnership and looks forward to continuing the police department's pursuit of reducing violent crimes in the city.

"We asked for assistance; now, we are seeing a promising commitment that will be beneficial to the Memphis Police Department and the city of Memphis," said Rallings. "It is always a good day when the men and women of the Memphis Police Department receive additional resources to better serve our community."